LA Tow Truck Driver Killed In Roadside Crash

Our condolences to the family and acquaintances of 47-year old Donnie L. Roshong, who worked for Nolen's Towing and Recovery of Bossier City, LA. He died on Friday, May 8, while working to tow a tractor trailer. Here's a story from the Shreveport Times:

Louisiana state police have been hammering home lately their plans to enforce an amended state law that requires motorists to move to the far lane when approaching emergency or disabled vehicles on the side of the road.
Accidents and near misses are the reasons behind what’s referred to the “move over” law.
The death Friday of a tow truck driver in Natchitoches Parish is a reminded why that law is in place. Donnie L. Roshong, 47, of Leesville, an employee of Nolen’s Towing and Recovery in Bossier City, was killed while he was preparing a disabled 18-wheeler for a tow near the Natchitoches exit.
The driver of another 18-wheeler loaded with about 150 head of cattle lost control and struck
the rear of the disabled tractor-trailer, sending it into the wrecker. Roshong was pinned between the large wrecker and guardrail. All three vehicles caught on fire.
Roshong died at the scene. About 50 cows died, too.
Jason A. Vanzile, 26, of Florida, was the driver of the cattle truck. He was injured and taken to Natchitoches hospital for treatment. So far, state police Troop E has not issued citations or made arrests in connection with the fatal crash. It’s still under investigation, Senior Trooper Scott Moreau said. “If you see something parked on the side of the road, please move over,” said Sue Kelly of Nolen’s Towing and Recovery, which has locations in Bossier City, Shreveport,
Coushatta and Minden.
Though Roshong had only worked out of Nolen’s Bossier office for a little over a year, he was no stranger to the towing business. “He worked in this territory for years. He formerly worked for Lloyd’s for a long time. Some of us have known him 20 or more years. He was not a friend to us; he was brother,” Kelly said. Roshong “died doing what he loved,” she added.
An account has been set up at American Bank in Coushatta to accept donations for Roshong’s wife, Jimmie, and their granddaughter, Kaylee Frazier, 4. The couple was raising their granddaughter. “She was his pride and joy,” said Kelly as she recalled how like any proud grandfather Roshong was quick to show off photographs of Kaylee.
Roshong’s funeral service was Monday in Leesville, where he lived with his family. Donations for Roshong’s survivors should be made to account number 1093746.
Donations also will be accepted at Nolen’s Towing and Recovery for placement in the account.